Need input on re-decking a utility trailer

[gigem95]

Need to replace the wood decking on my 6x12 utility trailer. It’s probably 5-6 years old and boards are rotten. I believe the manufacturer just painted untreated pine. Trailer is stored outside.

So question is replace with treated or untreated? Paint? No paint and soak with diesel? Or some other wood sealer? Thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jerp]

What I do is start out with treated. After a few years - when it has turned gray but has not started to rot - I paint or seal it. A lot of guys swear by used motor oil but I’ve never tried it.

[Sleepy]

Find a mill and go get you some oak. That’s what I do when trailers at the office need new decking. Durable and can get it cheaper from the mill.

[dbelcher269]

You might give some expanded metal a thought. Once and done.

[HainesNYT]

Treated lumber. Order the deck screws from ebay and save a ton over local store. Can't recall the guys name, but it is a Texas seller and I buy them in bulk for a fraction.

[krisw]

You might give some expanded metal a thought. Once and done.

My dad put expanded metal in his. Made it a nightmare to pull empty. Bounced everywhere and it was hard to slide stuff across the floor.

[gigem95]

My dad put expanded metal in his. Made it a nightmare to pull empty. Bounced everywhere and it was hard to slide stuff across the floor.

This is what I’m thinking.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Quackerbox]

Treated wood without a doubt. Leave a gap for them to swell and dry. As mentioned after a year or 2 slather in burnt oil. I usually apply on a hot day with several more after. Last time I winched the tounge into a tree and did as much as the bottom as I could. We have a trailer we decked in probally 1998 that's still going that's sealed in oil

[Traildust]

Treated. Just sold a 20 yo trailer that boards were in perfect shape. Weather, but solid. Buy one, cry once

[tanto]

Treated for sure. Leave gaps for swelling like others mentioned. Coat with sealant (something heavier than Thompson’s) every couple years. Should last a lifetime


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[gigem95]

Thanks for all of the replies!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brokeno]

Metal

First choice. Metal
Treated lumber sprayed with diesel every few months

[planomustang]

Find a mill and go get you some oak. That’s what I do when trailers at the office need new decking. Durable and can get it cheaper from the mill.

Find a mill that rips telephone poles into planks. They last forever.
Here is the mill we use.

https://www.hardensawmill.com/

[Walker]

Dont leave gaps. Treated lumber shrinks,doesnt swell. Just look at any deck built with treated lumber.

[Froggy]

I bought a 16' trailer from a TBHer a few years ago. It has a Cee Purlin deck. It should last the rest of my life and longer.